I was fortunate to be able to attend theRØDE Show 2015 new product release this year.RØDE invited me to come and since they held the event here in San Diego it couldn’t have been easier.
RØDE showed us three new products and they look amazing! I’m excited about the new Wireless system. The RØDELink Filmmaker kit.
RØDELink represents the next generation of digital wireless systems. Using a series II 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption, it is able to constantly monitor and hop between frequencies to maintain the strongest possible signal level at a range of up to 100 metres (over 100 yards). The RØDELink Filmmaker Kit provides everything you need to start shooting video wirelessly, including a receiver, transmitter and broadcast-grade lavalier microphone. The receiver (RX-CAM) features an OLED display with information on level, battery status (receiver and transmitter), mute and channel selection. The unit can be mounted on a standard camera shoe mount, 3/8″ thread or belt-clip, and for added versatility the shoe mount can be located in one of two positions. The lightweight transmitter (TX-BELT) can be fitted to a belt or clothing and features a locking thread to ensure the microphone connection is as secure as possible. A nice touch is it comes with the RØDE’s omnidirectional Lavalier microphone in the kit. I use this Lav with all my cameras and it’s very good. Every wireless system I’ve owned came with a crappy mic. Not the RØDELink Filmmaker Kit. Other configurations such as rack mount units are coming soon. This kit retails for $399.00
The RØDELink Filmmaker Kit Highlights
- Transmitter and Receiver Included
- Broadcast Quality Lavalier Mic Included
- Series II 2.4 GHz Digital Transmission
- 128-Bit Encrypted Signal
- 24-Bit/44.1 kHz Lossless Transmission
- Up to 100m Range
- One Touch Pairing
- OLED Digital Display
- 3-Level Gain Control
- USB and AA Battery Powered
Next a couple new shotgun mics. The NTG 4 and NTG 4+
The RØDE NTG4+ (retails for $399) features an all-new condenser capsule with low noise, high sensitivity and the convenience of on-board equalisation/level control via digital switching. It has a built in battery that gives you 150 + hours of use on a single charge and recharges in 2 hours with a USB charger. You can even use a portable battery to charge the NTG4+ just like you would an iphone. This makes the NTG4+ a great choice for DSLR type cameras or and camera that does not supply phantom power. Say goodbuy to those add on boxes! The NTG4+ and NTG4 comes with a whopping 10 year warranty after product registration.
NTG4+ Highlights
- Super Cardioid Broadcast Quality Sound
- Low Noise Circuitry
- Condenser Transducer
- Rugged Metal Construction
- On-Board Power Button and LED
- High Frequency Boost Button
- High Pass Filter (Flat or 75 Hz)
- -10 dB PAD Button
- Low Handling Noise
The RØDE NTG4 ($349) is basically the same mic but requires phantom power.
The third is a first for RØDE. The NTR Ribbon studio microphone. ($799)
- Highly sensitive 1.8 micron ribbon element
- Bi-Directional Polar Pattern
- Internal Shock Mounting System
- Custom designed and manufactured transformer
- Heavy-duty matte black finish
- Ribbon-securing travel screw supplied
- Designed and manufactured in Australia
- One free ribbon replacement during warranty period
- Ten year extended warranty with online registration
Designed to hang in the world’s finest recording studios and performance halls equally as well as home studio spaces, its existence is a labour of love for RØDE. Every element of the NTR, from the transformer to the ribbon element itself, has been designed and created in-house at RØDE’s headquarters in Sydney, Australia. All with the aim of crafting the finest ribbon microphone available.
Sonically, the RØDE NTR is capable of reproducing unprecedented high frequency detail and accuracy, addressing common criticisms of other ribbon microphones, while opening up the possible usage scenarios considerably. This allows it to record sound sources that usually require a more sensitive microphone element.
Three very cool products from RØDE. I cant wait to try the new wireless RØDELink Filmmaker and NTG4+ These look to be a very nice upgrade from my current system and with Rode you know you’re getting a great product at at very good price.
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Rode continues to impress me with the product developments, reasonable prices and excellent customer support. I don’t want to sound like a fan boy, but I do have a lot of their gear and all of it has worked flawlessly.